Image caption
The road was closed for several hours for an investigation to be carried out

A schoolgirl who died after being hit by a car on the A9 in the Highlands has been named as Hollie Mackay, aged 15.

The accident happened near the Shandwick Inn at Kildary just before 17:30 on Wednesday.

Hollie, from the Kildary area, had been returning home from an after-school drama session at Invergordon Academy where she was an S4 pupil.

She was taken to Raigmore Hospital in Inverness with serious injuries but later died.

Image caption
Hollie Mackay was a pupil at Invergordon Academy

The road was closed for several hours while an investigation was carried out. Police have appealed for anyone with information to contact them.

Alison Drew, acting head teacher at Invergordon Academy, said Hollie was a talented and outstanding pupil.

Ms Drew said: "Hollie was a popular and thoughtful member of our close-knit school community.

"She was a talented musician, a keen skier and drama was one of her real passions.

"She was a key player in the Invergordon Youth Theatre and also attended drama activities at Eden Court.

"Hollie represented the school in plays, musical performances, sports and other events."

Special assemblies were held this morning and rooms were set aside for pupils to receive counselling and support. Both staff and volunteers are available to support our young people at this very difficult time.